Yesterday was not a good day. We got two inches of rain in about two hours, and the barn flooded. I was soaked to the bone three times trying to drain the stalls while the horses huddled in the corner. No time to bail anything, no one to help me. I emptied two bags of wood pellet horse bedding into the water as it was oozing up. It was all I could do.
Then, the sky opened up again and dumped another two inches of water on us. Let’s just say it was the dark night of my soul. The wind roared and wailed. I tried not to think about what was going on in the barn. Every direction my mind took led me to bleak places I didn’t want to go. Finally, I realized that in that very moment, worrying about all the things that were wrong in my life wouldn’t change any of them. All it would do was make me feel worse. The horses don’t worry about what is going to happen tomorrow, do they? The one thing that I knew was that right now, there was a spot in the back of each stall where Silk and Siete could stand and be dry. I took some comfort in that.
The sun was shining this morning. Miraculously, the stalls didn’t flood again overnight. I went to see my “hay man”, and he had gorgeous second cut at a most reasonable price. He promised to deliver 50 bales to me tomorrow. The horses were so happy to run around when I turned them out. I didn’t even mind shoveling out the heavy wet muck created by the dissolved wood pellets and the poopy water.
Now, with aching arms, I’m contemplating how much better life looks than it did twenty-four hours ago. Even as I poured the wood pellets into the disgusting brown ooze yesterday, I knew that if I could just keep slogging through it, I would reach the point where I am right now. And even now, I know that there will be moments ahead that are bound to be as dark as the ones I just experienced. So, for the time being, I am going to be happy and practice “il bel far niente”, which in Italian means “the beauty of doing nothing”.
10 comments:
What nice photos! You must have great drainage in your paddocks after all that rain. It doesn't look like there is any major boot/hoof-sucking mud! :D
It is a cruel irony that the drainage in the pasture is really great and the drainage around my barn is horrible. They built the barn at the lowest point of our property. That's why I sit by the fire most nights and dream of a new barn.
As I look out my window, I see a Cheshire cat grin. I think I have heard that it is bowl containing rain. So sorry about the flooding, but thankful for your peaceful ending and your insight.
I'm glad that's past you, and I LOVE the Italian phrase. It's in my third novel and every time I work on that book again I love when I get to that part. In my mind, the phrase has sunshine in between the words.
It wasn't rain here...it was snow...more and more... from Friday afternoon until well into early Saturday morning. Ridiculous. Exhausting. My mom told me Dad put the horses out after church and they sat in the house watching to make sure they didn't climb the snowbank and over the fence. I wish I was exaggerating...
The snowbanks beside my driveway are almost 5 feet high. I am so done.
I have to keep telling myself that this, and other hardships, are not permanent.
Have you considered getting some drainage tile installed in your barn? It might help to pull the water away. It sounds like being in a low spot, it'll always fill, but maybe some good tiling would help. I feel sorry for your arms and back!
We have problems with flooding in one of our barns here so I know what you mean about worrying and wondering what you're going to find in the morning. I, too, dream about building new barns. lol
Glad to hear that it dried out the next day.
They look happy to be out in the sunshine!
I never realized owning horses could be so much work! I only think
of the glamerous side. Thank you for all of the things you are teaching me about horses. I love your blog.
Hi Victoria... so happy to see the the ground is no longer white!!! And it sure likes the horses are too!! So sorry to hear you had to do all that work but yes .. this too shall pass.
Well, just wanted to share something with you since you and your wonderful stories about your life have been a major part of a major desire in my life being rekindled.
My husband and I have been talking about what we would like when we get to retirement... and I said that I dream of having a horse refuge farm one day .. one where people can come an meet the horses, maybe underprivledged kids can ride... and one that gives horses and people another chance in life. (much like this one www.refugefarms.org)
My husbands reply - why wait til retirement??? So... we start the search for grants ... I'm so excited I can barely stand it.
Thanks again for sharing your life...
Well I guess your glad the rain is over, I know I am, but you made it through and this week is supposed to be warmer and clear. Let's hope so.
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